Funny thing. I was playing as the merchant race in the game against the Terran Alliance, Drengin Empire, and the Alterian Alliance by the skin of my teeth on a medium galaxy on normal. How? By supporting the evil race. Ever noticed that they alwayse have an awful economy in the beginning of the game? With my merchant skills i kept them afloat and in turn we made an alliance and wiped out the other two races that threatened me and made me go to war. I only had 3 or 4 planets and I was'nt very powerful with my military so to ensure that I won i gave all my technology and some money to the Empire.
Even though I was neutral, thanks to the evil people I won! Hazza!